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Sketching an Emotional Usage Experience of a Mobile Device

There are two ways that I personally interact with my cellphone that produces an emotional response. The first is adding symbols to a contact to denote a special connotation.

This the contact card for my girlfriend Kate.

An example of this is the heart shape for my girlfriend Kate. Since my phone currently doesn’t support symbols, I created it with the less than character and the number 3. This symbol brings me great joy whenever I look at my phone for a missed call or a text message on the home screen.

Text message from Kate.

I often notice the symbol first and immediately know that the message is from her, making it more special. Another way that I personalize her message, which is great for not having to look at the screen, is customizing her ring tone and text message tone and vibration pattern.

Custom tones and vibration patterns for both calls and text

I often will send her a text before something important, like a talk or presentation. During the presentation, I receive her text message (which I know because of the vibration pattern), and a feel a sense of calm and reassurance. This emotional response wouldn’t be as strong if I didn’t know who was actually text messaging me.